Wesley G. Lorenger

April 08, 2014

Service Details

Wesley G. Lorenger, age 88, died April 8, 2014 at Calvin Community. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines followed by a luncheon. The family will receive friends half an hour before the service.

Wes was born in Sioux City, Iowa on August 31, 1925 to George and Leta Lorenger. He attended Sioux City schools and graduated from East High in 1943. As a boy he was an enthusiastic Boy Scout where he dedicated many hours to earning merit badges and became an Eagle Scout. After high school he joined the Army Air Corp and was still in officer’s school when World War II ended. After discharge from the service he attended Morningside College in Sioux City where he studied accounting. There he met and married Arlene Rosenkjar and they were blessed with three children: Jim, Jeri and Nancy. About that time, he became scout master for an Explorer Scout Troop. They enjoyed many camping and canoeing trips on which his young son Jim often accompanied his dad.

Wes became a CPA in 1970. On November 16, 1970 he went to work in the Accounting Department at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. He retired on December 19, 1989. In retirement he spent many hours on the golf course with friends, who went out for dinner afterward, then played cards. One of his hobbies was working with wood, both wood carving and making unique gifts. He vacationed in California every winter for 20 years, enjoyed his son and daughters, their children and grandchildren. In recent years whenever anyone asked what was important to him, he always quickly replied “family.” All spent many vacations, holidays and birthdays with him. He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church.

Surviving are his wife, Arlene; children, Jim (Margie) Lorenger, Jeri Carr, Nancy (Rex) Andersen, and their families; younger brother, Peirre; sister-in-law, Edie; and many nieces and nephews. Wes was preceded in death by his mother and father; and a younger brother, Wendel who he often said was his best friend.

Memorial contributions may be directed to HCI Care Services (Hospice) or to Calvin Good Samaritan Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

We thank the staff at Calvin Community for their attentive, loving care.

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